NFC Notes: Falcons, Packers, Vikings

Falcons

• Falcons HC Dan Quinn said that they’ve had some discussions with WR Julio Jones about his contract and they expect him to be in attendance for the start of training camp (NFLTR).
• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that one potential option for the two parties could be to include a similar incentive-based package to what the Patriots gave to Rob Gronkowski last year, which would boost Jones’ $10.5 million salary by $5 million or so.
• According to Florio, simply ripping up Jones’ current deal and giving him a new contract would be hard to justify at this point, given that the Falcons hold the cards in negotiations right now with Jones having another three years on his contract.

Packers

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said during an interview with Aaron Nagler of PackersNews.com that they felt good about signing OL Byron Bell, given his experience playing both tackle and guard in the NFL.

“I think moreso for us, we had an opportunity to add a guy who not only has started and played tackle, but guard as well,” Gutekunst said. “Having a guy that’s going to be able to compete with our group that has 40-some starts under his belt, I think that was something that was attractive to us.”

“It was one of those things that as we moved on, we felt it would improve the entire group.”

As for the decision to sign veteran TE Marcedes Lewis, Gutekunst mentioned that they were surprised he was even available.

“I don’t think that’s something we expected, for him to come loose,” Gutekunst said. “Obviously he had not only been a really good player for (the Jaguars) but an exceptional leader and teammate there.”

“For us, I just think that we’re tickled to be able to get him. The amount of experience he has at that position, I think it’s really going to be valuable to us. The tight end position is one of those positions that it’s really tough for young players to come in and make an impact. Obviously, as much experience he has not only in the passing game, but as a blocker as well, I think it’s something that will hopefully provide a lot of positive things for us coming forward.”

Vikings

According to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press, Vikings WR Brandon Zylstra has turned some heads with his acrobatic catches during offseason workouts.

“That guy continues to impress,” Vikings OC John DeFilippo said of Zylstra. “We’re very fortunate he’s on our football team.”

“People are going to have a hard time getting up in his face and pressing him,” DeFilippo added. “He has tremendous hands, he’s smart. He’s one of the guys that can line up anywhere. We could put him at any position.”